NZD 5 Million

Minimum requirement

4 months

Estimated processing time

The Active Investor Plus Visa provides a streamlined pathway to residence through two investment streams: the Growth Category and the Balanced Category.

Under the Growth Category, applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residence after three years, provided they have maintained the qualifying investment for at least 36 months and spent at least 21 days in New Zealand during that period.

The program also gives the main applicant and eligible family members the opportunity, but not the obligation, to live, work, and study in New Zealand.

For applicants who choose to spend significant time in the country, the Active Investor Plus Visa may also support a long-term pathway to New Zealand citizenship after five years of residence, subject to meeting the relevant citizenship requirements.

New Zealand allows dual citizenship.

Benefits of the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Program

The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa allows the main applicant to include eligible family members. This may include a spouse or legally recognized partner, children under 18, unmarried children aged 18 to 20 with no children of their own, and dependent unmarried children aged 21 to 24 with no children of their own who are substantially reliant on the main applicant or partner. This makes the program attractive for families seeking a long-term residence option in a safe, stable, English-speaking country.

The Active Investor Plus Visa offers significant flexibility for internationally mobile investors. The qualifying investment is required only after the visa application has been approved. Once approved, applicants have a six-month window to transfer funds to their chosen eligible investment or investments. Under the Growth Category, applicants may apply for permanent residence after three years if they have maintained the required investment and spent at least 21 days in New Zealand during the investment period. This can be highly attractive for families with international business interests, travel commitments, or existing residence arrangements elsewhere.

Successful applicants obtain the right to live, work, and study anywhere in New Zealand. New Zealand is known for its natural beauty, strong rule of law, safety, outdoor lifestyle, and high standard of living. It may appeal to investors and families seeking a stable long-term base, future relocation option, or secure Plan B in the Asia-Pacific region.

Children included in the application may be able to study at New Zealand schools and tertiary education providers as domestic students. This can be a significant advantage for families planning around education, university access, and long-term opportunities for children.

The Active Investor Plus Visa may provide a pathway to permanent residence. Under the Growth Category, applicants may apply for permanent residence after maintaining their investment for at least 36 months and spending 21 or more days in New Zealand. Under the Balanced Category, applicants must maintain their investment for five years and meet the relevant physical presence requirement.

Successful applicants may be able to apply for New Zealand citizenship after five years of residence, subject to meeting all applicable requirements. Applicants should note that citizenship is not automatic. Requirements include physical presence, good character, English language ability, and an intention to continue living in New Zealand or maintain a close and continuing association with the country.

Who Can Get A New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa

The main applicant must generally: 

  • Be at least 18 years old 
  • Be of good health 
  • Be of good character 
  • Meet the applicable investment requirements 
  • Invest through either the Growth Category or Balanced Category 
  • Transfer the required funds within the permitted timeframe after approval 
  • Meet the relevant time-in-country requirements 
  • Provide the required documentation and evidence 

All applications are subject to review by Immigration New Zealand. 

A spouse or legally recognized partner may be included in the application. 

The spouse or partner must generally be at least 18 years old and legally married to, or in a common law or de facto partnership with, the principal applicant. They must also meet the required health and character requirements. 

Eligible children may be included in the application. 

This may include: 

  • Children under the age of 18 
  • Unmarried children aged 18 to 20 with no children of their own 
  • Dependent unmarried children aged 21 to 24 with no children of their own who are substantially reliant financially on the principal applicant or partner 

Family eligibility should be reviewed carefully, especially where children are approaching an age limit. 

Program Requirements

To be eligible for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa, applicants must invest under one of the following two streams.

Growth Category 

The Growth Category requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million.

The investment may be made in one or more eligible managed funds or in a direct business investment. Eligible investments must be approved by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Investments under the Growth Category must be held for a period of three years.

Investors must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand during this three-year investment period.

This category may be suitable for investors who are comfortable with growth-oriented investment options and are seeking the lowest investment threshold and shortest investment period under the Active Investor Plus framework.

Balanced Category 

The Balanced Category requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million.

This category allows investment across a broader range of eligible investment options, which may include equities, bonds, managed funds, direct business investments, property development, and philanthropy.

Investments under the Balanced Category must be held for a period of five years.

Investors must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand during this five-year investment period, although this requirement may be reduced with a higher investment in qualifying growth investments.

This category may be relevant for applicants seeking a broader investment mix and a longer investment period.

Other Requirements and Benefits 

The main applicant must be over 18 and meet good health and character requirements.

Applicants must also comply with the investment rules throughout the required investment period.

If family members are included in the application, they are required to travel to New Zealand within 12 months of their visas being granted. They are not required to remain in New Zealand for any specific length of time at that stage.

The Active Investor Plus Visa allows successful applicants and eligible family members to live, work, and study in New Zealand, subject to meeting all applicable visa conditions.

Speak to an Expert

Latitude is a global leader in Residence and Citizenship by Investment. Our IMC-certified professionals specialize in cross-jurisdictional residence and citizenship planning. We help clients understand how the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa compares with other investor residence options, including programs in Europe, the Americas, and other global markets. Every applicant’s circumstances are different. A private consultation can help determine whether the Active Investor Plus Visa aligns with your investment profile, family needs, tax considerations, timeline, and long-term objectives.

Latitude is a global leader in Residence and Citizenship by Investment. Our IMC-certified professionals specialize in cross-jurisdictional residence and citizenship planning. We help clients understand how the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa compares with other investor residence options, including programs in Europe, the Americas, and other global markets. Every applicant’s circumstances are different. A private consultation can help determine whether the Active Investor Plus Visa aligns with your investment profile, family needs, tax considerations, timeline, and long-term objectives.

Speak to an Expert

Application Process

  • Month 1

    Client Onboarding and Due Diligence

    The process begins with Latitude’s initial due diligence and onboarding.

    You will complete Latitude’s Form 1, which allows us to conduct initial screening and assess whether you may be a suitable fit for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa.

    Following successful screening, Latitude provides a Client Agreement for review and signature. Once the Client Agreement is signed and the retainer payment is received, our team begins preparing the application.

    This stage may include completing government forms, gathering supporting documentation, reviewing family eligibility, and preparing evidence required for the application.

  • Month 2

    Select a Fund or Investment Route

    Latitude will arrange for a licensed Financial Advisor to present eligible investment options for your consideration, based on the selected stream and your investment profile.

    Applicants may invest in one or more eligible managed funds or approved investments, depending on whether they are applying under the Growth Category or Balanced Category.

    Investment decisions should be made carefully and with appropriate professional advice. Applicants should review investment risk, liquidity, timeframe, fees, and suitability before proceeding.

  • Month 3

    Submission of Application and Residence Permit

    Latitude’s dedicated New Zealand lawyer prepares and submits the application to Immigration New Zealand.

    The processing time is approximately four months from submission of the application, subject to the file being complete and there being no areas of concern.

    Once the application is approved, the applicant has six months to complete the investment.

  • Months 4-10

    Investment

    Under the Growth Category, investments must be held for at least three years. Under the Balanced Category, investments must be held for at least five years.

    Once the investment has been completed and the application is formally approved, you will receive an Active Investor Plus Resident Visa. This permits you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, subject to satisfying the applicable investment and physical presence conditions.

  • End of Year 3

    Permanent Residence: Growth Category

    Applicants under the Growth Category may apply for permanent residence if they have maintained their qualifying investment for at least 36 months and spent 21 or more days in New Zealand.

    Permanent residence allows successful applicants to live in New Zealand indefinitely, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

  • End of Year 5

    Citizenship

    Successful applicants may be able to apply for New Zealand citizenship after five years of residence, subject to meeting all citizenship requirements.

    Applicants must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each 12-month period during the five years immediately before the citizenship application, and at least 1,350 days across those five years.

    Applicants must also meet other requirements, including good character, English language ability, and an intention to continue living in New Zealand or maintain a close and continuing association with the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is a residence by investment route for eligible investors who want to obtain residence in New Zealand through a qualifying investment. 

It allows successful applicants to live, work, and study in New Zealand, provided they meet the relevant investment, time-in-country, health, and character requirements. 

Yes. The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand’s investor residence route. 

Applicants must make a qualifying investment under either the Growth Category or Balanced Category and meet the applicable requirements. 

The current Active Investor Plus settings were introduced in April 2025. 

The framework is designed to attract investors who can deliver benefits to the New Zealand economy through qualifying investments. 

The minimum investment is NZD 5 million under the Growth Category.

Applicants applying under the Balanced Category must invest at least NZD 10 million.

The Growth Category requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million in one or more eligible managed funds or a direct business investment approved by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. 

The investment must be held for at least three years, and the applicant must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand during that period. 

The Balanced Category requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million across a broader range of eligible investment options. 

These may include equities, bonds, managed funds, direct business investments, property development, and philanthropy. 

The investment must be held for at least five years, and applicants must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand during that period, although this requirement may be reduced with a higher qualifying investment. 

There is no universally better stream. 

The Growth Category may be attractive to applicants seeking a lower minimum investment and shorter investment period. The Balanced Category may suit investors seeking a broader investment mix and longer investment timeframe. 

The right option depends on the applicant’s risk profile, investment preferences, family plans, timeline, and long-term objectives. 

No. One of the advantages of the Active Investor Plus Visa is that the investment is required only after the application has been approved. 

Following approval, applicants generally have a six-month window to transfer funds to the chosen eligible investment or investments. 

The processing time is approximately four months from submission of the application, subject to the file being complete and there being no areas of concern. 

Timelines can vary depending on document readiness, application complexity, due diligence, and Immigration New Zealand processing. 

Yes. Eligible family members may be included in the application. 

This may include a spouse or legal partner, children under 18, unmarried children aged 18 to 20 with no children of their own, and dependent unmarried children aged 21 to 24 with no children of their own who are substantially reliant financially on the principal applicant or partner. 

Yes. Children included in the application may be able to study at New Zealand schools and tertiary education providers as domestic students. 

This can be a significant benefit for families considering education planning. 

Yes. Successful applicants have the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand, subject to meeting the applicable visa conditions. 

A spouse or legal partner included in the application may also have the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand, subject to the applicable visa conditions. 

The Active Investor Plus Visa has specific time-in-country requirements. 

Under the Growth Category, applicants must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over the three-year investment period. 

Under the Balanced Category, applicants must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over the five-year investment period, although this may be reduced with a higher qualifying investment. 

If family members are included in the application, they are required to travel to New Zealand within 12 months of their visas being granted. 

They are not required to remain in New Zealand for any specific length of time at that stage. 

Under the Growth Category, applicants may be able to apply for permanent residence after maintaining the qualifying investment for at least 36 months and spending 21 or more days in New Zealand. 

Applicants under the Balanced Category must meet the relevant investment period and time-in-country requirements. 

The investment must be maintained for the required investment period. 

Under the Growth Category, the investment must be held for at least three years. Under the Balanced Category, the investment must be held for at least five years. 

Applicants should seek advice before unwinding, selling, or changing any investment to ensure they continue to meet all visa and residence requirements. 

 Yes. Successful applicants may be able to apply for New Zealand citizenship after five years of residence, provided they meet the relevant citizenship requirements. 

Citizenship is not automatic and is never guaranteed. 

Applicants for New Zealand citizenship must meet several requirements. 

These include physical presence, good character, English language ability, and an intention to continue living in New Zealand or maintain a close and continuing association with the country. 

The physical presence requirement is at least 240 days in each 12-month period during the five years immediately before the citizenship application, and at least 1,350 days across those five years. 

Yes. New Zealand allows dual citizenship. 

Applicants should also check whether their current country or countries of citizenship allow dual citizenship before applying. 

The program guide notes that New Zealand has no gift, estate, or wealth taxes, nor capital gains tax. 

However, tax outcomes depend on personal circumstances, residence status, investment structure, and source of income. Applicants should obtain professional tax advice before relocating, investing, or becoming tax resident. 

The current Active Investor Plus Visa framework does not require applicants to meet an English language requirement. 

However, English language ability is relevant for citizenship applications. 

Applicants must satisfy Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements. 

This may involve medical checks, police certificates, and other documentation, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and country of residence. 

Eligible investments depend on whether the applicant chooses the Growth Category or Balanced Category. 

The Growth Category focuses on eligible managed funds or direct business investments approved by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. 

The Balanced Category allows a broader range of eligible investments, including equities, bonds, managed funds, direct business investments, property development, and philanthropy. 

Applicants should confirm that any proposed investment is acceptable before proceeding. 

The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa may be suitable for investors seeking residence in a safe, stable, English-speaking country with strong lifestyle appeal, education opportunities, and long-term permanent residence potential. 

The right choice depends on your investment profile, family needs, tax position, timeline, and long-term objectives. A private consultation can help determine whether New Zealand, or another residence option, may be the best fit. 

Speak to one of our global experts and begin your journey today

The Latitude Group is a global leader in Residence and Citizenship by Investment. Our IMC-certified professionals are specialists in cross-jurisdictional residence and citizenship planning. We help clients compare the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa with other global investor residence options to determine which route may best support their family, mobility, lifestyle, investment, and long-term planning goals. Speak with a member of our team to explore whether New Zealand residence by investment is right for you and your family.

  • The right to live and settle anywhere in New Zealand
  • Only 21 days physical presence required for permanent residence under the Growth Category
  • Eligible to apply for permanent residence after three years and citizenship after five years, subject to meeting the relevant requirements

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